Fall 2026

SHORT CUTS NEIGHBORS Dentistry4Vets Executive Director Patricia Yellich and Dr. George Yellich. The husFanH anH [iJe teaQ JounHeH the nonprofit to help Zeterans in . W ith the spring opening of a new Ryan Ranch care center, Dentistry4Vets expanded its ability to deliver long-term, com- prehensive care for military veterans, spouses and personnel. Few veterans qualify for dental care through standard benefits pacOages, and many face barriers related to geography, sched- uling, affordability and other challenges. “The goal is to close every gap,” says Dentistry4Vets Executive Director Patricia =ellich, who co founded the nonprofit with her husband, Dr. George Yellich, in 2018. Dentistry4Vets provides a 60% to 70% dis- counted fee structure for patients, plus financial support for those facing economic hardship. The Monterey clinic offers general and specialty care, including advanced oral surgery. It also provides training opportunities for dental resi- dents and professionals. Yellich expects to accommodate more than 3,000 appointments a year in the new space. She’s especially proud of her team’s ability to anticipate and address patient needs. ±-t feels liOe family when patients go into the clinic,” she says. “That’s what I hear all the time.” Some veterans hesitate to visit Dentistry4Vets, because they don’t want to divert resources from others in need. Yellich reminds them that each new client expands the clinic’s ability to serve. “The more veterans we care for, the better our funding is to care for others,” she says. For more information or to donate, please visit www.dentistry4vets.org . Monterey Clinic Ser ves the Militar y Community B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S 96 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 Photo: Kelli Uldall